Positioning:
Flagship luxury sedan of its era, targeting discerning buyers valuing comfort, performance, and build quality.
Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac Fleetwood, Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit.
Distinctive Attributes:
Exceptional ride comfort, robust V8 engine, meticulous build quality, sophisticated engineering, long-wheelbase for enhanced rear passenger space.
Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (722.3)
Chassis Suspension:
Independent Front & Rear Suspension, Self-Leveling Rear Suspension (SLS)
Brakes:
Front & Rear Disc Brakes, ABS
Electrical System:
Complete Electrical Schematics, Lighting, Ignition, Starting, Charging
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Climate Control
Fuel System:
Fuel Injection System (Bosch K-Jetronic)
Cooling System:
Radiator, Fan, Water Pump, Thermostat
Exhaust System:
Exhaust Manifolds, Catalytic Converters, Mufflers
Steering:
Power Steering System
HVAC:
Automatic Climate Control System
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, timing, fuel, ignition, cooling, exhaust
Drivetrain:
Transmission repair, differential, driveshafts
Braking:
Brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, ABS diagnostics
Steering Suspension:
Power steering pump, steering rack, shock absorber replacement, SLS repair
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, fuses, relays, lighting
Climate Control:
AC system recharge, heater core replacement, climate control module
Body And Trim:
Door panel removal, window regulator repair, seal replacement
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
Component testing, system diagnostics, wiring schematic interpretation
Rebuilds:
Detailed engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and troubleshooting trees.
NHTSA Impact:
Not specifically rated under modern standardized testing, but known for robust safety cage construction.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard from late 1984.
Seatbelts:
Three-point automatic seatbelts front and rear.
Structural:
Reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD changer.
Climate Control:
Fully automatic climate control with electronic sensors and precise temperature regulation.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Memory Seats:
Optional electrically adjustable front seats with memory function.
Original Connectivity:
Limited to factory audio and communication systems (no modern Bluetooth or smartphone integration).
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months.
Transmission Fluid:
Recommended replacement every 30,000 - 50,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-40 or 15W-50 (API SG or higher) - Refer to owner's manual for specific climate recommendations.
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.1 or 236.2 ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Coolant:
MB 325.0 (Glysantin G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Common Problems:
Head gasket leaks (M117), fuel distributor issues (K-Jetronic), vacuum hose degradation, SRS warning light (early models), SLS hydraulic leaks, window regulator failures.
Oil Filter:
Mann W916, Mahle OC202, Bosch 0451103253 (example - always verify with VIN)
Air Filter:
Mann C34132, Mahle LX34, Bosch 1457433033 (example - always verify with VIN)
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Renowned for engineering excellence, durability, and pioneering automotive safety and luxury features.
W126 Development:
Successor to the W116 S-Class, refined aerodynamics, improved safety, and updated technology. W126 Series II facelift (introduced 1985) brought aesthetic and technical updates.
Production Years:
1979-1991 (W126 generation). 1984-1985 specifically for this manual's coverage.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
